USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1930-1932 > Part 68
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
In January, 1932, Samuel Thompson made claim for workmen's com- pensation because of personal injuries alleged to have been received while working for the Town in 1931 as arising out of and in the course of his employment. After investigation and medical examination and report and conferences with Counsel and Industrial Accident Department an agrcement was reached for a lump sum final settlement which upon hearing by the Industrial Accident Board was approved under proper papers filed and payment was made on order of said Board.
216
All rights of redemption of Aleck Hershenson from the tax title held by the Town on the parcel of land situated on Tremont Street and assessed to him were foreclosed through Land Court proceedings brought on the petition of Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes Sullivan and under a decree of said Court, dated June 27, 1932, the title became absolute in the Town.
The personal injury claim made by Rose G. O'Brien resulting from a street accident as to which liability was, upon investigation, admitted, was settled with the approval of the Selectmen by a small compromise payment and a release was obtained.
A claim made by Philip J. Keating for a substantial amount in excess of a balance of $57.69 admitted to be due on account of his contract for the construction work required in widening Washington Street northerly from Railroad Avenue was denied and a settlement made by the payment of the acknowledged balance.
The following claims for personal injuries or property damage alleged to have resulted from street conditions were investigated and, on the advice given, liability therefor was denied, viz .: Abele; Donovan; Zim- mer, Johnson, p. p. a .; Durfee; Morrissey; Chamberlain and Seery. As to some of these claims no formal notices as required by law were re- ceived. Certain other claims were also investigated but no action became necessary as no formal notices or demands were made, no liability was found to exist, however, as to such claimants.
One claim for personal injuries for an alleged sidewalk defect is pending for compromise settlement which should be effected early in the year 1933.
General
Other matters as to which attention was given are briefly stated under the headings of the respective departments concerned with the same.
Selectmen
American Legion Post Headquarters appropriation and other action questions.
Assessor appointment action and reconsideration questions.
Amendment to traffic rules Re stop regulation and motion for action Re same.
Day Trusteeship account-consent action.
Purchase from Norwood Estates, Inc., of land for town yard purposes- title search, report, conveyance and incidental action and questions; opinions Re same.
Erection of fence on line of taking in private property of main drain easement-opinion.
Status of dealings with Glacier Sand and Gravel Company-opinions given.
Authority of Deputy Chief Fire Department to appoint additional
217
permanent and call members and to dismiss firemen or where authority otherwise voted; opinion rendered.
Status of Deputy Chief on resignation of Fire Department Chief; opinion rendcred.
Cashman land taking questions.
Lease-premises former school building Railroad Avenue to local post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and terms questions.
Compensation reduction as to town officers and employees, particularly police officers and permanent firemen salaries-procedure, hearings, con- tribution agreements, incidental and law questions and action.
Reports for year 1931 (final) and 1932 (preliminary).
School Committee
Teachers' salaries status and control also contributions, voluntary or in lieu of salaries reductions, questions-opinions rendered and papers drafted.
Authority to exclude pupil from school-opinion.
Liability of Town of Dedham for tuition of town charge pupil-opinion furnished.
Pupil discipline case-opinion furnished.
Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes
Foreclosure of rights of redemption as to various properties held by Town under tax titles-procedure and other questions.
Duty as to funds involved in suit, attached by trustee process.
Finance Commission
Legality of proposed appropriation for permanent quarters for Post No. 70 American Legion.
Salary and wage reduction questions.
Contributions by school teachers to welfare funds in other localities questions.
Board of Health
City of Newton claim as to hospital care questions-opinion furnished.
Clinton garbage contract-action Re increased compensation pro- visions-opinion furnished.
Appropriation for hospital and nursing expense and town physician situation questions-opinion furnished.
Garbage contract extension provisions questions-opinion rendered.
Board of Public Welfare
State aid case, involving Norwood and Norfolk, questions.
Right to accept gifts questions.
Status of men aided through work furnished.
Employment of men aided and right to compensation if injured ques- tions.
218
Action taken in case aided.
Duty to accept paper served by Weymouth through Constable in relief situation.
Obligation to pay Weymouth claim the amount of expense of removal to Norwood of family aided in Weymouth.
Duty to aid persons holding insurance policies and paying premiums. Opinions rendered as to the above matters.
Instrument drafted authorizing persons aided and designated for pur- pose to enter certain premises to cut and remove growing trees and timber from same, without cost or liability for damage resulting from work done.
Trustees Morrill Memorial Library
Appropriate action to acquire land from First Congregational Church in Norwood-attention to records and plans and title situation; prepara- tion of article and motion under same for taking by eminent domain for library purposes; attention to release and payment.
Board of Assessors
Appointment control questions.
Bird Trustees abatement petition law questions, and attendance at abatement hearing.
Hub Realty Company-attendance at hearing on abatement claim.
Bird & Son, inc., tax abatement hearing questions.
Fence Viewers
Advice Re duties.
Division fence controversy between adjoining land owners; advice Re course of action.
New Building By-Law Committee
Reviewing and suggesting changes in final draft of proposed new building code.
General Manager
Right to sell Town land gravel-advice.
Disciplinary action by Chief of Police and legal status Re police officer situation-advice.
Action Re peddling situation-advice.
Motor vehicle indemnity insurance proposal.
Veterans employment preference in labor service questions; opinion rendered.
Status of Board of Public Welfare and control of functions through General Manager Department questions-opinion rendered.
Street defects (possible) situation-advice.
Situation as to electric current delivery to private premises and action to be taken-opinion rendered.
Stop signal regulation-amendment of existing traffic rules; advice Re subject matter.
219
Flaherty crushed stone order and payment situation-opinion furnished on questions raised.
Town Clerk and Accountant
Recount of State Election ballots questions.
Surety bond and certificate of Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes questions.
Welfare relief claims and Weymouth claim in particular, as to course of action.
Changes Re school teachers' contribution agreement.
Acting Fire Chief situation as to action by Selectmen.
Questions Rc various contribution agrecments of elective and appointive officials and employees.
Duty to record certain automobile security papers.
Control of school expenditures through appropriation.
Re action by town meeting, as to discharge of a certain committec and its effect.
Town physician situation, as to status and duties.
Duty of Selectmen as to veterans' preference in labor service.
Foreclosure of tax titles questions.
Waiver of terms, through cancellation, of Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Company electric power agreement.
Drainage and water taking questions.
By-law as to retail vendors of soft drinks.
Building Inspector duties.
Fire Department regulations and statutes governing same.
Employment by Board of Public Welfare of persons aided and extent of right to do so.
Requirements as to premises used or to be used as boarding house for aged persons, Re report by Building Department.
Street lay outs and takings.
Norwood Hospital fencing obligation release.
Questions Re town meeting articles and motions.
Tax abatement questions.
Advice given in respect to each of the foregoing matters.
Miscellaneous
Attention to Peabody Fund situation and action in interest of location by Trustees of proposed school for girls.
Norwood Civic Association, Inc., questions Re tax situation and redemp- tion of tax titles by Norwood Estates, Inc.
Advice to Public Works Department.
Approved as to form the new draft of bond of Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes and certificate of surety.
Norwood Water Act questions.
Revised Coasting Regulations in draft form.
220
Nichols Street Extension betterment assessments situation and action.
Tax lien redemption situation and action as to alleged mortgagee pay- ment in error.
Article and motion for creating by-law for soft drinks retail vendor's licensc.
Matters which had the attention of Judge Sanborn as Special Town Counsel are included in the foregoing general recital.
Federal Post Office Building Site
Title report, releases, warranty deed to United States of America and other papers reviewed-participation in activities Re title transfer and payment of purchase price, completed on May 12, 1932.
Conclusion
The year 1932 ended with a satisfactory record as to litigation and claim expense.
As to the year 1933 no forecast is undertaken either as to pending or prospective litigation or claims except through the statement that no severe financial burden is to be expected.
As in past years all officials with whom the department had dealings have shown great cooperation, consideration and confidence, which have been deeply appreciated.
Reskectfully submitted,
February 1, 1933.
JAMES A. HALLORAN, Town Counsel
221
REPORT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
The Board of Health submits the following report for the year 1932:
At the annual Board Meeting the following officers were chosen: Harold L. Alden, Chairman of Board; John A. Shannon, Inspector of Plumbing; Dr. James J. Mulvehill, Inspector of Milk, and Agent; Dorothy L. Bemis, Clerk.
The various activities of the Board were carried on in the usual way during the past year. In September of this year the Board lost by death, one of their co-workers, Dr. J. J. Mulvehill, who had been with them for a good many years in the capacity of Inspector of Milk and Agent. His friendly and kindly presence will be missed by all. John A. Shannon was appointed Agent of the Board, and Willis H. Hoyt, Milk Inspector, be- cause of the death of Dr. James J. Mulvehill.
The following table shows the reportable diseases for the year 1932:
Chicken Pox
Mumps
Diptheria
Scarlet Fever
German
Measles
Typhoid Fever
Tuberculosis
Cerebro
Spinal
Meningitis
Infantile
Pneumonia
Influenza
Whooping
Cough
Tetenas
Dog Bite
Total
1919
14
41
29
48
5
9
3
37
85
135
1921
8
10
64
1 29
6
20 24 24
1
238
1923
36
24
142 23
8
19 10
1 2 11 9
7 1
1
250
1929
9
4
3
18
3
5
2
10 16
4 32 23
2
11 45
114
1930
14
6
5
9
2
4
12
13 13
1
4
26
2
21
14 205
1932
6
2
2
98
102
9
S
19
1
8 255
2
19
Paralysis 1
Lobar 16
500
602
1920
5
31
102
11
1 20
206
1925
56
138
224
13
448
1926
13
75
27
137
1927
6
25
62
1928
2
13
217
2
As will be seen by this chart, the largest number of cases reported are Measles and Scarlet Fever cases.
Report of Katherine E. Kingman, Public Health Nurse:
During the year 1932, there were forty-five clinic days. Two hundred and sixty-four patients visited the clinic, one hundred of these were new cases and twelve of these were found positive, eight were sent to the Sanitarium, five to Norfolk County Sanitarium, and three to Westfield. The cases that went to Westfield were children, two with a hilum tubercular condition, one with adult pulmonary. One of the Sanitarium patients
a
-
141
1931
28
1
2
24
25
36
S
-
Measles 9
146
1922
34
17
111
1924
41 17 9 8
.
4
2
222
has returned home as an arrested case. Two cases of 1931; one with a tubercular lung abcess and one with a tubercular eye also returned home as cured.
There have been fewer cases of hilum T. B. among children this year, this, it is felt is due to the fact that the children who are under weight and contacts, are followed very closely by (the) Dr. Griffin's clinic. These children are recommended by school nurses and doctors.
The clinic has increased in number this year owing to the fact that people are taking more advantage of this excellent work which is being done by Dr. Griffin. Nearly two-thirds of these patients are recommended by our doctors, the remainder by nurses and friends.
One of the out-of-town clinics established a year ago has been discon- tinued, therefore these patients have the privilege of returning to our clinic.
Report of T. J. Curtin, Dental Clinic:
The close of the school year in June, 1932, saw the close of the Dental Clinic in its old quarters at the Beacon School. New quarters were ob- tained at the Junior High School, thereby placing the clinic in a more central location to the advantage of the greater number of children:
The report of the clinic for the year ending December 31, 1932, is as follows:
Number of children examined 1450
Number needing attention 1157
Number completed at clinic 731
Number incomplete 111
Board of Public Welfare (adult patients) 4
Number treated at clinic 846
The Milk Inspector, Willis Hoyt, reports the following:
Upon taking over the duties of Milk Inspector in November, an exami- nation of the records kept at the Board of Health office by Dr. Mulvehill revealed that 43 samples of Milk and Cream had been analysed for per cent of butter fat, total in solids, and in some instances bacteria count and keeping quality. In all 22 samples of pasteurized milk were examined for bacteria count and eight samples of raw milk. None of these samples showed a count of over 10,000 per c. c. the average being 3700 per c. c. which is exceptionally low.
Since taking office 43 samples have been analysed for per cent of butter fat, total solids, and in many instances keeping quality and sediment.
Twelve dairies maintained in a limited way where one, two, or three cows are kept and less than twenty quarts daily sold were inspected after applications were filed as a result of a questionnairesent to all owning cattle known to have no permit or license to sell. As a result of this check, two owners were required to file applications to have their animals tested for
223
tuberculosis and one was forbidden to sell milk until such time as sanitary requirements of the Board of Health were met. The remainder will be granted permits.
Attention of owners of Stores was also called to our regulations con- cerning handling of milk and cream in stores.
The Inspector of Plumbing, Mr. John A. Shannon, reports that he has made 77 inspections for the year 1932.
In closing the Board wishes to state that during the year of 1932 they kept within their Budget as set up, and had a balance December 31, 1932, of $1,784.71.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD L. ALDEN, Chairman Board of Health, WILLIAM P. NICKERSON, CHARLES L. LYNCH, M.D.
224
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The Norwood Board of Public Welfare submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1932.
Owing to the economic situation, there has been a decided increase in the number needing aid during the year. Many families have been obliged to seek assistance, some to supplant a week's wage, others tem- porarily till employment was resumed. The family groups varied in num- bers from two to ten.
Under a "Work for Your Aid" policy which was put into effect by the Board on March 5, all able-bodied men were required to work for a certain number of days each week governed by the amount of aid received.
Commencing September 3, through the generosity and cooperation of public-spirited citizens a group of men from the Welfare Department was allowed to cut wood on private property. This wood was delivered to recipients of aid, thereby saving the Town the expense of this type of fuel.
In cutting this wood, the land was cleared and the brush burned, thereby improving property and reducing the hazard of forest fires.
No. of Men Working
Hours Worked
¿ Cords Wood Delivered
¿ Cords Wood Sawed and Distributed
September
136
1018
40
9
October
97
780
40
13
November
113
S56
27
7
December
130
1040
64
26
476
3694
171
55
A detailed schedule of the kinds and numbers of cases aided; listed by months is shown below.
Mothers' Aid
Old Age
Tem- porary Aid 98
Board in Family
Institu- tional
Treatment
Hospital
Total
Jan.
14
26
10
9
1
158
Feb.
14
26
109
11
9
1 170
Mar.
14
29
97
13
10
2
165
Apr.
15
31
114
13
11
3
187
May
15
31
105
17
11
5
184
June
17
34
114
18
11
8
202
July
17
34
125
19
10
6
211
Aug.
17
38
127
18
10
6
216
Sept.
17
37
117
18
9
6
204
Oct
17
35
118
18
9
9
206
Nov.
17
34
128
19
10
9
217
Dec.
18
32
139
17
10
11
227
Respectfully submitted,
JENNIE F. FALES, PAUL BERNIER, M. JOSEPH ROACHE.
225
BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
The Norwood Bureau of Old Age Assistance submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1932.
The number of applications received during the year were fourteen; thirteen of these were accepted and one rejected.
The number of cases discontinued for various reasons other than death were five. Five recipients of Old Age Assistance passed away during the year.
The total number of persons receiving Old Age Assistance in Norwood listed by months are tabulated below:
January, 26; February, 26; March, 29; April, 31; May, 31; June, 34; July, 34; August, 38; September, 37; October, 35; November, 34; De- cember, 32.
According to the opinion of the State Bureau, the peak of the number of persons receiving this kind of assistance has been reached.
Respectfully sunmitted,
JENNIE F. FALES, M. JOSEPH ROACHE, PAUL BERNIER. Norwood Board of Public Welfare.
226
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Mr. C. A. Bingham, Town Manager, Norwood, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Bingham :
The 1932 playground season for children was operated from July 5th to August 27th inclusive. The grounds open for supervised play were: Callahan, Civic, Elks, Balch, Shattuck and Morse Pond.
The last named was this year maintained as a playground as well as a swimming pool which necessitated using another director. This plan re- lieved the congestion at the Balch playground to a great extent.
The program carried on was based on the general plan of the National Rec- reation Association with special provisions for local needs. Athletics were run which were instructive and recreational for boys and girls of all ages. This year a greater number than at any previous time participated. Base- ball, track, tennikoit, swimming, fist ball, horseshoe pitching and tumbling were included. Dancing, handwork, costume making and a number of children's activities were seen daily on the grounds. The idea that a playground is only for the athletically minded is certainly a fallacy. Through the efforts of the Advisory Board directors were obtained who were fitted to "put over" a program of educational recreation, and as our close followers will agree, they did it.
The cost of operation of the grounds was $3307.29. Although a greater amount was provided in the budget the maintenance account for neces- sary care and repairs cut the proposed budget to the above figure. The approximate number of people served by this appropriation was 2000.
A feature of this seasons work was the beginning of a twi-light baseball league for young men. Over 100 different entries were made and 40 games played. These teams were organized and games run off by the men directors of the playgrounds. The season was divided into halves and the winners of each half played off for the championship. Each Tuesday and Thursday evenings the Balch, High School, Civic, Elks and Morse dia- monds were scenes of the new endeavor. No game was forfeited, a lively interest being maintained. It certainly behooves a forward looking movement in Norwood's recreation to look to opening the grounds for adults as well as children's work during the summer at least. With this year twi-league as a nucleus the foundation is well laid for a more com- prehensive system.
Tennis has advanced in Norwood steadily during the past few years. This year 62 men entered the men's singles tournament, 32 the ladies and 15 the childrens. The courts are operated previous to and following the regular season. It is also to be noted that the speed of the game has greatly improved.
227
The playgrounds closed by a demonstration and parade. A year ago the children were disappointed in this promised treat of marching with the Legion Band. (At the time the prevalence of infantile paralysis in this section prompted our Board of Health to advise no gatherings for children.) This wait was not in vain for the good friends of the Legion appeared in full regalia and a colorful array of floats, costumes and happy children paraded through Norwood to the Civic field, there to dance and play for the hundreds of parents and friends assembled.
This year we have had more visitors to our grounds and we feel a keencr interest in the work has been taken. This is perhaps most noticeable at the Callahan School playground. The evening program there is already headed for an ideal and if the diligence of the leaders is maintained, it will surely be realized.
In the face of existing circumstances some may have thought a play- ground appropriation a burden but the parents and close observers will agree the amount expended far more than pays. The children, the parents, the twi-leaguers all bear witness to the fact that wholesome recreation is worth while.
The work could not have been done without the untiring work of the Advisory Board and the assistance given by the Manager, the Superintend- ent of Public Works and many other town employees who volunteered to assist in every way possible. It certainly is gratifying to work where the spirit is undeniably sincere.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPHINE A. COGAN, Supervisor of Playgrounds
228
REPORT OF BOARD OF ASSESSORS
To the Citizens of Norwood:
The Board of Assessors herewith submit their annual report together with the statement of valuations as determining the tax levy for the year 1932.
Organization
On February 9, 1932, William J. Dalton was appointed by the Selectmen as Assessor to fill the unexpired term of Kenneth Mckenzie, deceased.
Patrick J. Lydon was reappointed by the Selectmen for the term of three years beginning April 1, 1932.
The Board organized as follows: Patrick J. Lydon was elected Chairman and Agnes M. Coughlin, Clerk.
Assistant Assessors
On March 31, 1932, Robert B. Oldham, John P. Welch, George L. Banks, James E. Roache, Harry J. Conlon and Fred E. Glaser were ap- pointed assistant assessors by the Board under the authority of the Town Meeting to serve for the period of thirty days or such shorter period as the Board of Assessors may determine.
Tax Rate for the Year 1932
On August 4, 1932, it was voted that the tax rate for the year 1932 be determined as $32.00 per thousand.
The table of tax requirements submitted herewith exhibit a comparison of the year 1931 with 1932.
It was voted that no Special Assessments be levied against individual parcels of land in the Neponset Valley for the purpose of meeting the expense which the Town has been called upon to pay because no agricultural benefit can be found to exist.
Filing of Statements
The Board of Assessors wish to call to the attention of all taxpayers the necessity of filing of statements of property taxable in each year under the provisions of Chapter 59, Section 29, General Laws.
Financial Report
The financial statement of the department will be found in the report of the Town Clerk and Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
PATRICK J. LYDON, EDWARD A. FLAHERTY, WILLIAM J. DALTON.
COMPARISON OF TAX REQUIREMENTS Valuations as Assessed in Each of the Years
Appropriation by Taxation
State Tax
County Tax
$10,252.96
Home or Hospital Care
20.00
20.00
Parks outside Metropolitan Area
375.35
44.21
331.14
Special State Tax (Old Age Assistance)
4,653.00
4,656.00
3.00
Overdraft, Abatement
1,714.81
1,679.73
35.08
Neponset Valley Assessment
1,960.36
1,960.36
Soldiers' Exemptions
60.00
83.82
23.82
Division of Accounts
7,431.38
173.93
7,257.45
Metropolitan Sewer Assessment and Interest
36,339.28
42,289.18
5,949.90
$1,440,863.09
$1,460,240.15
$37,253.69
$17,876.63
Estimated Receipts
$ 440,998.00
$ 443,686.85
$ 2,688.85
Estimated Excise Tax
28,000.00
22,000.00
$ 6,000.00
Estimated Corporation Tax (Certified)
78,898.06
52,037.71
26,860.35
Income Tax (Certified)
95,731.47
69,544.24
26,187.23
Highway Appropriation Offset (Chap. 122, Acts 1931)
9,962.24
22,316.56
12,354.32
Tax on Polls
9,346.00
9,312.00
34.00
Special State Tax (Old Age Assistance)
4,653.00
4,656.00
3.00
Net Charges
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.